Politics
Adeleke Reveals How Much He Missed Buhari
said the late president would always be remembered
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has paid glowing tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari on the first anniversary of his death, describing him as a leader with commendable democratic credentials whose commitment to free and fair elections earned him the admiration of the people of Osun State.
In a statement marking Buhari’s one-year remembrance, Adeleke said the late president would always be remembered in the state for allowing the will of the people to prevail during the 2022 Osun governorship election.
According to the governor, Buhari resisted pressure to interfere with the electoral process and upheld the provisions of the Constitution.
“Former President Muhammadu is fondly remembered by our people in Osun State. In 2022, he allowed free and fair conduct of the state elections. He rejected the pressure to tamper with the will of the people,” Adeleke said.
The governor also recalled a personal encounter with Buhari after his election victory, saying the former president made a light-hearted remark that reflected his respect for constitutional democracy.
“I remember when I visited him on a thank you visit after my election in 2022, he jokingly told me: ‘Mr Governor, you are the only one who has come to thank me for allowing our Constitution to work,’” he recalled.
Adeleke said Buhari’s insistence on constitutional order remained one of his defining legacies.
“Whatever anybody may say about the late president, his refusal to disobey the Constitution, his readiness to allow the Constitution to work, is a big plus, especially for us here in Osun,” he said.
Reflecting on the late president’s passing, the governor said Osun people continued to cherish Buhari’s democratic disposition and personal qualities.
“A year after, we remember the General with deep sense of humour and a man who is not called ‘Mai Gaskiya’ for fun. We miss a leader in love with democracy, especially at the subnational level,” Adeleke added.
The governor also extended condolences to the Buhari family, saying: “On behalf of the government and good people of Osun State, I associate with the former First Lady, Hajia Aishat Buhari, the children and associates on this one-year remembrance of the late president.”
